Can you believe that the kids are almost out of school for the summer? With kids in the house all summer, get ready for those constant snack attacks, followed by “mom (or dad)…there’s nothing good to eat.”

Just because its summer break doesn’t mean we should take a vacation from healthy eating. Having easy and nutritious snacks on hand is important for keeping those growing appetites in check.

ChooseMyPlate.gov recommends using snacks to help children get the nutrients they need to grow and maintain a healthy weight, but to limit sweets and sugary beverages to reduce excess calories that could lead to an unhealthy weight.

Follow these great ideas for snacks that are sure to please this summer:

Save time by slicing veggies. Store veggies in the refrigerator and have tasty dips ready-to-go, such as hummus or low-fat dips (or even yogurt or peanut butter).

Mix it up. For older kids, mix dried fruit with unsalted nuts and popcorn to make a great homemade trail mix. Also try blending low-fat yogurt with 100% fruit juice and frozen fruit for a refreshing and nutritious smoothie.

Fruits are quick and easy. Fresh, frozen, dried, or canned fruits can be easy options that need little preparation.

Amy Mullins is a Registered Dietitian and Family and Consumer Sciences Agent II with UF/IFAS Leon County Extension. If you have additional questions about nutrition, contact Amy at mullinsa@leoncountyfl.gov.

Thank You for a Wonderful Year!

As we come to the end of our 100th year of serving the citizens of Florida, the University of Florida/IFAS Extension Faculty located in the 16 county offices of the Florida Panhandle thank you for making 2014 another great year!

Extension has come a long way assisting farmers and their families with relevant information since the beginning of the 20th century. Today, 100 years later, UF/IFAS Extension continues to provide science-based information to the citizens of Northwest Florida.

We are excited about, and dedicated to providing our clients the most recent and science-based information on a wide range of topics such as:

agricultural production and marketing,

providing youth with exciting opportunities that develop life skills, teamwork, and responsibility

food preservation, cooking

helping individuals and families with health and wellness, parenting and manage budgets,

consumer assistance within the home,

wildlife and land management,

coastal and inland fishery management,

home gardening and commercial landscaping,

acquiring Continuing Education Units for a variety of licenses.

Though the first 100 years of UF/IFAS Extension have been very productive we do not plan on sitting back and resting on the accomplishments of the past. We will continue to provide you and your family the best information and education available to provide “Solutions for Your Life!”